Staff trying to save wine shop from closure

by Lisa Reeves

Wednesday 4^th July 2018

Wed 4^th Jul 2018

Employees at the Wine Rack shop on Alderley Road were informed last week that the shop is due to close on Wednesday, 11th July, resulting in five members of staff losing their jobs.

The manager Christine Williams has put forward a proposal to the owners Bestway Retail to open a spirits shop/bar focusing on all spirits as well as champagne, sparkling wine and craft ales.

Christine told wilmslow.co.uk "I'm looking to have table and chairs to hold weekly tasting events and creating a hub for the local community to share their passion of all things different and local."

The team have now set up a petition to gather as much support as possible for their business plan.

Christine added "The staff are massively passionate about what they do and we want to create the perfect place. We have until the 5th of July to get as much support as possible and we really appreciate the support we have had so far. We are truly blessed to be part of such an amazing community."

Wine Rack opened on Alderley Road in October 2015, taking over the premises previously occupied by Daniel Footwear.

Tags:: Wine Rack

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Jonathan Follows

Wednesday 4^th July 2018 at 5:15 pm

OK, but why are Christine's proposals good now when they weren't in October 2015?

I only went to the shop once, I was the only customer and I was totally ignored by the only member of staff in the shop. Even an acknowledgment of my existence would have been nice. Fair enough, but I'm not going back again.

I agree with Christine in one thing, though - shops have to offer more to tempt customers in than they used to need to do. It just sounds like this realisation might have come too late for this shop.

Christina Williams

Wednesday 4^th July 2018 at 6:00 pm

Hi Jonathan,

I'm sad you had such an experience, but a lot has changed since your last visit such as staff and management have all changed for the better.

Shops need to constantly adapt to change in the market and especially in retail. The aim of this proposal is to open up a space to hold regular tasting events, bar and a meeting place for the community.

It's better to have a full shop than an empty one.

Best wishes,

Christina

Oliver Romain

Wednesday 4^th July 2018 at 9:31 pm

Always had an exceptional and positive experience in this shop. The soft drinks and snacks are great too. Sorry to see it’s in trouble. I’ll pop in in next couple of days.

Chris Neill

Wednesday 4^th July 2018 at 10:33 pm

It's a great wine and spirit shop on the sunny side of the street, with obvious passion from the staff against serious competition. A drop in seat area , wine tasting etc would work as a meet point or early starter before restaurant visit , and would be good for business. I hope it keeps going as more restaurants are opening in the town as well as a possible re opening of the picture house. The shop could just need a bit more time to become a good business.

Wendy Falk

Friday 6^th July 2018 at 11:09 am

So sad! The staff here are most helpful in my experience. I don’t know a thing about gin, can’t stand the stuff, but I wanted to buy my mother s special gin, as she loves it. The chap who served me was really patient and explained about all the different tastes, from budget to expensive. The one I chose went down beautifully!
I think the suggestion about drop-in seating/meeting place is an excellent idea! from Chris Neill :-)

Saturday 7^th July 2018 at 9:16 pm

Thanks Wendy, appreciate.....
Regards
CHRIS